The Health and Care Worker visa is a streamlined version of the Skilled Worker route for eligible health and social care professionals. It carries significantly lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge — saving applicants and dependants thousands of pounds.
Eligible occupations
- Doctors (all grades from FY2 upwards)
- Nurses and midwives
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, OTs, radiographers, paramedics, etc.)
- Pharmacists, dental practitioners, social workers, psychologists
- Adult social care workers (subject to current Home Office restrictions)
How much it saves you
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per person per year. For a five-year visa with a partner and one child, that's £15,525 — entirely waived on the Health and Care Worker route. Visa application fees are also reduced (~£304 instead of ~£719 for a 3-year visa).
Who can sponsor you
NHS trusts, organisations providing medical services to the NHS, and adult social care providers — provided they hold a Worker sponsor licence. Roles must be at RQF level 3+ and meet the going rate.